Conestoga rising senior midfielder Emily McAleer has made a commitment to play Division III lacrosse at NCAA champion Gettysburg College.

Conestoga rising senior Emily McAleer has committed to play at Division III champion Gettysburg College

McAleer helped Conestoga finish 12-7 and reach the second round of the District 1 playoffs in 2011. She plays club lacrosse for the Phantastix.

Gettysburg crushed Bowdoin, 16-5, to claim its first NCAA title in May. The Bullets are guided by Nether Providence (now Strath Haven) alum Carole Cantele, the IWLCA 2011 Coach of the Year who has a career mark of 267-88 in 19 years.

“It has an excellent academic reputation and lacrosse program,” said McAleer of Gettysburg. “I knew after my first visit this was where I wanted to go.

“Coach Cantele is an incredible coach who is so dedicated to the team. The first time I talked to her in person we talked for two hours.”

Also headed to Gettysburg from Conestoga is recent graduate Talor Lawlor (midfielder).

a freshman a starter who played with McAleer ona Anorhewr Conestoga McAleer is trhe will join former teammate Taylor Lawlor when she arrives at Gettysburg. is the second will join another is the second Pioneer will join foirmer Conestalso get the chance to reunite with former Conestoga and soon-to-be Gettysburg teammate Taylor Lawlor while at Gettysburg.

McAleer is the third Pioneer rising senior to commit to play college lacrosse. Attack Britta Hjelm has committed to Yale and defender Emily Pillion has committed to James Madison.

Conestoga placed fifth (8-3) in the Central League in 2011 and suffered a heartbreaking 12-11 loss to Boyertown in the District 1 tournament.

“Obviously, being upset by Boyertown wasn’t in anyone’s plans for our 2011 season, but our season was also filled with lots of success and unforgettable moments,” McAleer said. “It’s just a shame it had to end sooner than anyone wanted it to.

“We lost a great senior class, but all of the returning underclassmen are so talented. We have a ton of potential, it’s just a matter of reaching it.”

McAleer wished to thank her high school and Phantastix coaches for helping prepare her for college lacrosse and in the recruiting process.